POST-ELECTION violence and destruction, on a small scale compared with the past though, are no less alarming. They are another reminder of how fragile democratic moments remain. At least two people have already been dead and more than 30 people are injured in post-election violence. A young man was killed in a clash between rival factions of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party in Munshiganj on February 13. The deceased was a supporter of an independent, an expelled BNP district member secretary. In a similar incident at Kachua in Bagerhat, a supporter of a ‘rebel’ Bangladesh Nationalist Party candidate was killed. He died from his injuries on February 14 while being treated in Khulna Medical College Hospital. It is commendable that the BNP leader elected for the Chandpur 3 constituency has taken legal action and handed over five young members of his party for their alleged involvement in post-election violence. The party, which will soon form the government after a landslide victory and has repeatedly pledged commitment to a peaceful and democratic future, has, however, greater responsibility and should democratically resolve grievances within the party. Its regard for democratic governance, otherwise, would prove rhetorical.
There are also reported incidents of violence between supporters of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Bangladesh Jamaat-e-Islam. In Patuakhali, at least five people were injured in violence between BNP and Jamaat activists. In the Pabna 1 constituency, the BNP candidate who lost alleged that around a dozen of his supporters had been attacked in at least three localities by supporters of the Jamaat candidate who won. Six people were injured as Jamaat and BNP supporters clashed over election results in Chuadanga. There are also allegations against the activists of Jamaat that they spread rumours on social media about the election. The incidents contradict the party’s claims as it prepares to be sworn in as the opposition in the parliament. In a statement, the party chief said that they would act as a principled and peaceful opposition while contributing constructively to national progress. The role of an opposition is as important as the ruling party’s and the Jamaat-e-Islami should prove its regard for the rule of law. All other political parties, regardless of the election results, should act responsibly at this critical moment of political transition. The National Citizen Party has voiced serious concerns about its safety, citing threats from unidentified groups, an alarming development that law enforcement agencies should address without delay.
The interim government must recognise that law and order are equally crucial in the post-election period and its responsibility does not end with the announcement of the results. While it must ensure a peaceful transfer of power and uphold law and order to that end, the political parties, especially the Bangladesh Nationalist Party and the Jamaat-e-Islami should show restraints.
